📖 Oregon DMV Study Guide

Everything important from the 2026-2027 Oregon Driver Manual — organized for the exam

⭐

Memorize these numbers first. Oregon DMV test questions are frequently built around specific distances, speeds, BAC levels, and time periods. These come up constantly.

Speed Limits

HIGH FREQUENCY

25 mph

Default residential district / public park / ocean shore where vehicles are allowed (page 19). 20 mph in business districts. 15 mph in alleys and narrow residential.

20 mph

School speed zone — applies 7 a.m.–5 p.m. on a school day for "School Hours" signs, and any time children are present at, walking in, or about to enter a crosswalk (page 49).

55 mph

Default Oregon highway limit unless posted otherwise (page 19). Interstate limits vary — always obey the posted sign.

Basic Rule

The Basic Rule applies on all Oregon roads at all times: drive at a speed that is reasonable and cautious for existing conditions — even if slower than the posted limit (page 20).

2–4 sec

Safe following distance: 2–4 seconds. Pick a fixed object the car ahead passes, then count "one-one-thousand…" — pass it before 2 seconds and you are too close (page 26).

4 sec+

For speeds greater than 30 mph use 4 seconds or more. Increase further in rain, snow, fog, behind motorcycles/bicycles, when towing, or near work zones (pages 26–28).

📏

Critical Distances & Clearances

HIGH FREQUENCY

10 ft

No parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant (page 70).

20 ft

No parking within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Fire-station driveway: 15 ft same side / 75 ft opposite (page 71).

50 ft

No parking within 50 feet of a traffic signal or sign if your vehicle hides it from view (page 71).

50 ft

No parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad or light rail crossing (or 7½ ft if it doesn't interfere with the train) (page 71).

12 in

Parallel parking — your wheels must be no more than 12 inches from the curb (page 68).

Both headlights

After passing, return to your lane only when you can see BOTH headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror (page 31).

500 / 350 ft

Dim high beams within 500 ft of an oncoming vehicle and within 350 ft when following another vehicle (page 76).

1,000 ft

Headlights required from sunset to sunrise, and any time conditions make it difficult to see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead. Driving with parking lights only is illegal (page 76).

100 ft

Use your turn signal at least 100 feet before any turn or lane change (page 38). Hand-and-arm signals only in daylight when visible at 1,000 ft.

All seats

Safety belt use is mandatory for ALL drivers and passengers in every available seating position. Never put the shoulder strap under your arm or behind your back (page 73).

Over 35 mph

When passing a bicyclist in your lane at speeds greater than 35 mph, leave enough distance to prevent contact if the rider falls into your lane (page 50).

All lanes

School bus with flashing red lights: ALL traffic stops on undivided roads, including roads with a painted median or center turn lane. Exception: divided highway with an unpaved median or barrier — only stop if you're on the same side as the bus (page 55).

🍺

DUII & Alcohol Numbers

ALWAYS ON TEST

0.08%

Drivers age 21+ are presumed impaired at 0.08% BAC. You can still be arrested for DUII below 0.08% if alcohol or drugs affect your driving (page 82).

Any %

Under 21: Zero Tolerance. Any measurable BAC fails the breath/blood/urine test (page 83).

DUII

Oregon term: DUII = Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. Covers alcohol, marijuana, prescription, OTC, or any substance that impairs your mental or physical ability to drive (page 82).

Implied Consent

By driving on Oregon roads you've agreed to take a breath, blood, or urine test if requested. Refusing brings a fine and license suspension (page 83).

Trunk only

Open Container law: open alcohol bottles must be in the trunk. A re-closed bottle whose seal was broken still counts as open (page 83).

🎓

Teen / GDL Numbers

ON EXAM

Age 15

Minimum age for an Oregon instruction permit. Parent/guardian must sign the electronic application if under 18 (page 89).

Age 16

Minimum age for an Oregon Class C driver license. Under-18 applicants must have held the instruction permit at least 6 months (pages 89–90).

Under 18

NO cell phone or mobile electronic device while driving — even hands-free. Turn it off or put it in the back seat (page 80).

No curfew

Oregon does not have a separate Provisional/Intermediate license phase — there's no statewide curfew or non-family passenger cap on Class C teen drivers. The under-18 cell-phone ban does apply.

100 hrs

Under-18 supervised driving: 100 hours, OR 50 hours plus an ODOT-approved traffic safety education course. Supervisor must be 21+ with 3 years of valid driving (page 90).

Age 18

Under-18 cell-phone ban and external-rider rule lift at age 18. Drivers 18+ must use a hands-free accessory for any cell-phone use (page 80).

⏱️

Following Distance & Time Rules

ON EXAM

2 sec

Pick a fixed object the vehicle ahead passes (sign or pole), then count "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand." If you reach it before two seconds, you are following too closely (page 27).

4 sec+

Use 4 seconds or more above 30 mph. Increase further behind motorcycles/bicycles, in rain/snow/fog, when towing, when stopped on a hill, or near work zones (page 27).

359 ft

Stopping distance at 60 mph (reaction + braking) is greater than the length of a football field (page 29). At 20 mph: 69 ft. 30: 123 ft. 40: 189 ft. 50: 268 ft.

Hands-free

Drivers 18+ must use a hands-free accessory that requires only minimal use of a finger. Drivers under 18: NO cell-phone or mobile electronic device — even hands-free. Sound systems audible 50 ft from the vehicle are illegal (page 80).

🚦

Road signs are tested heavily. Know each sign's shape, color, and meaning. The real test often shows a sign description and asks what it means.

🔴

Sign Shapes — Each Shape Has One Meaning

ALWAYS TESTED

Shape	Meaning	Example
Octagon (8-sided)	STOP — always and only	Stop sign
Triangle (pointing down)	YIELD — give right of way	Yield sign
Diamond	WARNING — hazard ahead	Curve, pedestrian, deer
Pentagon (5-sided)	SCHOOL ZONE	School crossing
Pennant (triangle right)	NO PASSING ZONE	No-passing pennant
Round (circle)	RAILROAD CROSSING advance warning	RR crossing sign
Rectangle (vertical)	REGULATORY — rules you must follow	Speed limit, turn restrictions
Rectangle (horizontal)	GUIDE or INFORMATION	Street name, mile marker
X-shaped crossbuck	RAILROAD CROSSING — treat like yield	Railroad crossbuck

🎨

Sign Colors — Color Tells You the Category

ALWAYS TESTED

Color	Category	What It Means
Red	Regulatory — STOP / PROHIBIT	Stop, yield, do not enter, wrong way, no-turn circles
Yellow	WARNING	General hazard warnings — curves, hills, intersections, animals
Orange	WORK ZONE / CONSTRUCTION	Oregon traffic fines are doubled in all work zones, and posted work-zone speed limits apply at all times — even when no workers are visible (page 59).
Green	GUIDE / DIRECTIONAL	Highway exits, distances, direction, mile markers
Blue	SERVICES	Gas, food, lodging, hospital, rest area
Brown	RECREATION / CULTURAL	Parks, campgrounds, historical sites, scenic areas
White	REGULATORY	Speed limits, lane rules, turn restrictions
Fluorescent Yellow-Green	WARNING — pedestrian / school / bike	School zones, crosswalks, bike lanes
Fluorescent Pink	INCIDENT MANAGEMENT	Crash clean-up, debris removal, temporary traffic control

⚠️

Signs That Are Frequently Confused

TRICKY

No Passing Pennant vs. No U-Turn: The pennant (pointing right) = no passing. A circle with a slash over a U-turn arrow = no U-turn. Very different.

Crossbuck (RR) vs. Stop Sign: The crossbuck (white X) = yield/slow down and check. Only stop if a train is coming. The octagon = always stop.

Divided Highway Begins vs. Ends: Begins = two arrows pointing apart (median starts). Ends = two arrows merging together (median ends — expect two-way traffic).

Merge vs. Lane Ends: Merge = two roads joining (both cars adjust). Lane Ends = one lane disappears — that driver must yield and merge.

Red Circle with Slash: Always means that action is PROHIBITED. No left turn, no trucks, no bicycles — whatever is inside the circle is forbidden.

⭐

Right of way is the #1 failure topic on the DMV knowledge test. Master every scenario below — these questions will be on your exam.

⛽

The Core Right-of-Way Rules

MOST TESTED

Uncontrolled intersection — arrive at same time: Yield to the driver on your RIGHT. This is the most tested right-of-way rule.

Left turn at green light: You must always yield to oncoming traffic AND pedestrians — even with a green light. A green light is permission to go, not a guarantee of right of way.

Pedestrians in a crosswalk: Always yield. Stop and wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed — not just stepped back. This includes jaywalkers in many situations.

Blind pedestrian (white cane / guide dog): Absolute right of way — you must stop regardless of where they are crossing.

Four-way stop: First to arrive goes first. Simultaneous arrival = yield to the driver on your right. Straight traffic before turning traffic if both arrive at same time from opposite directions.

Emergency vehicles (lights + siren): Pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Clear intersections first — never stop IN an intersection.

Entering from driveway / private road: Always yield to all traffic on the public road — you have no right of way entering from private property.

Roundabout: Vehicles inside the roundabout always have right of way. Entering traffic must yield. When exiting, yield to pedestrians at the crosswalk.

Merging onto a highway: Traffic already on the highway has right of way. The merging vehicle must yield and find a safe gap.

Non-functioning traffic signal: Treat as an all-way stop. All drivers stop, yield, and take turns.

💡

Right-of-Way Scenarios That Trick People

TRICKY

Yellow light: It does NOT mean speed up. If you can stop safely, you must. Proceed only if stopping would be unsafe (you're too close to stop).

Already in intersection when light turns red: Complete the turn — you are committed. Other traffic must wait for you to clear.

Backing out of a driveway: The reversing vehicle always yields to street traffic. You have no right of way in reverse.

Move-Over / approaching stopped vehicles with flashing lights: On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, change lanes so you don't drive next to the stopped vehicle. If you can't change lanes, slow down by at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit and give as much room as possible (page 57).

Right turn on red: Legal ONLY after a complete stop and yielding to ALL traffic and pedestrians. Rolling right on red is illegal.

Left on red: Legal ONLY when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street — after a complete stop and yielding.

🚥

Traffic Signal Meanings

ALWAYS TESTED

Signal	What You Must Do
Solid GREEN	Proceed — but yield to traffic already in intersection
Solid YELLOW	Prepare to stop if safe; proceed only if stopping would be dangerous
Solid RED	Stop completely; may turn right on red after stop and yield (unless posted)
GREEN ARROW	Protected turn — oncoming traffic must stop. You may turn in the arrow's direction, but still yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.
YELLOW ARROW	Protected turn is ending — prepare to yield or stop
Flashing YELLOW ARROW	Unprotected turn — you MAY turn but MUST yield to oncoming and pedestrians
Flashing RED	Treat exactly like a STOP sign — stop, yield, proceed when safe
Flashing YELLOW	Caution — slow down and proceed carefully. Do not need to stop.
RED + GREEN ARROW	Stop for through traffic; turn in direction of arrow only
Signal NOT working	Treat as ALL-WAY STOP — all traffic stops

🛣️

Lane Markings — Know Each One

ON EXAM

Broken yellow center line: Passing is permitted from your side when it is safe.

Solid yellow line on your side: No passing from your side of the road.

Double solid yellow: No passing in either direction.

White lines: Separate traffic going in the same direction. Broken = lane change ok. Solid = discouraged (but not always illegal).

Yellow lines: Separate traffic going in opposite directions.

Center left-turn lane (two-way turn lane): Use ONLY to prepare for and make a left turn. Never use as a travel or passing lane.

Yellow X over a lane: Lane is CLOSED — move to a lane with a green arrow immediately.

White stop line: Stop your front bumper at or behind this line at intersections and crosswalks.

↔️

Safe Lane Changing Procedure

STEP BY STEP

Check your mirrors — rearview and side mirror on the side you're moving to

Signal your intent — use your turn signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes (page 38).

Look over your shoulder — physically check the blind spot. Mirrors cannot see everything.

Change lanes gradually — smooth and controlled, not jerky

Cancel signal and adjust speed to match the lane's traffic flow

🚨

DUII questions appear on virtually every DMV knowledge test. Know the BAC levels, implied consent law, and penalties. Oregon uses the term "DUII" (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants).

🍺

DUII Laws — The Numbers You Must Know

ALWAYS ON TEST

Situation	Consequence
BAC of 0.08%+ (driver 21+)	Oregon presumes you are impaired at 0.08% — DUII arrest. Specific fines, jail, and license suspension/revocation lengths are set by Oregon Revised Statutes; check OregonDMV.com for current penalties (page 82).
Impairment below 0.08% BAC	You can still be arrested for DUII at any BAC if alcohol or drugs affect your mental or physical ability to drive. Marijuana impairment is enforced the same way; combining alcohol and cannabis sharply reduces driving ability (page 82).
Test refusal (Implied Consent)	By driving in Oregon you've agreed to take a breath, blood, or urine test when asked by a police officer. Refusing brings a fine and license suspension under the Implied Consent law (page 83).
BAC — under 21 (Zero Tolerance)	Any measurable BAC fails the test if you are under 21. Zero Tolerance penalties apply on top of any DUII charge (page 83).
Open Container	Open alcohol bottles must be in the trunk. A re-closed bottle whose seal was broken still counts as open. The rule applies on any road, anywhere in the vehicle other than the trunk (page 83).
Substances covered	Oregon's DUII law covers alcohol, cannabis, controlled substances, and even prescription or over-the-counter medications that impair driving. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects of any new medication (pages 82–83).

💡

Critical DUII Facts to Remember

TESTED

Implied Consent: by driving on Oregon roads you have agreed to take a breath, blood, or urine test when asked by a police officer. Refusing brings a fine and license suspension on top of any DUII penalty (page 83).

Only TIME removes alcohol: Coffee, food, cold showers, and fresh air do NOT lower your BAC. Your liver processes about 1 drink per hour — nothing speeds this up.

Impairment starts with the first drink: Judgment is the FIRST driving ability affected by alcohol. Oregon law allows a DUII arrest below 0.08% BAC if alcohol or drugs are affecting your driving (page 82).

Under-21 Zero Tolerance: if you're under 21, you fail the breath/blood/urine test at any measurable BAC. The Zero Tolerance penalty applies on top of any DUII consequence (page 83).

Mixing drugs and alcohol: Never drink alcohol while taking medications or other drugs. Combinations may multiply effects, reduce driving ability, and cause serious health problems or death. Having a prescription is not a defense if the medication impairs driving.

Cell phone law: drivers 18+ must use a hands-free accessory that requires only minimal use of a finger. Drivers under 18 may NOT use a cell phone or any mobile electronic device while driving — even hands-free. Visible TVs/tablets are also banned, and sound systems audible 50 ft away are illegal (page 80).

Drugs and driving: Driving while impaired by any drug — prescription, over-the-counter, or controlled — is illegal. Even legally prescribed medications that impair your ability to drive can lead to a DUII charge.

🚌

School bus rules are heavily tested. When a school bus shows flashing red lights, all traffic must stop and remain stopped until the driver turns the red lights off. A painted median or center turn lane does NOT separate the road — all lanes still stop. Only on a divided highway with an unpaved median or barrier do you continue if you're on the opposite side from the bus (page 55).

🚌

School Bus Stopping Rules

HEAVILY TESTED

Two-lane / undivided road: ALL traffic in BOTH directions must stop before reaching the bus when its red lights are flashing — and remain stopped until the driver turns them off (page 55).

Divided-highway exception: on a divided highway with two roads separated by an unpaved median strip or barrier, you must stop only if you are on the same side of the road as the bus. A painted median or center turn lane does NOT create two separate roads — in that case all lanes of traffic must stop (page 55).

Same direction — always stop: Traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must ALWAYS stop, regardless of road type or number of lanes.

After the bus stops: Remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or deactivates its warning signals AND all loading/unloading passengers have cleared the roadway. Then proceed slowly, watching carefully for children near the roadway.

When may you proceed: Only when the red lights STOP flashing, the stop arm retracts, and the bus begins moving. It is unlawful to pass a stopped school bus while it is loading or unloading passengers.

Yellow lights = warning: Yellow flashing = bus is about to stop. Slow down immediately and prepare to stop. Do not try to pass before it stops.

School buses must stop at ALL railroad crossings — regardless of whether warning signals are active. This is federal law.

Worker / places-of-worship buses: flashing amber and red lights are also permitted on places-of-worship and worker transport buses. Treat those lights the same as a school bus (page 56).

Public transit buses: when a transit bus signals to re-enter a traffic lane and a flashing "YIELD" sign is on its back, approaching vehicles must yield (page 56).

Speed Laws — What You Must Know

ON EVERY TEST

Basic Speed Law: Drive at a speed that is reasonable and proper for existing conditions — even if that means going below the posted limit. Rain, fog, heavy traffic, school zones all require reduced speed.

Posted limits are MAXIMUMS: You may never legally exceed a posted limit, regardless of conditions, traffic, or what other drivers are doing.

Minimum speed law: Do not drive so slowly that you impede or block the normal flow of traffic. Driving too slowly is also illegal.

Work zone caution: traffic fines are doubled in all Oregon work zones. The posted reduced speed limit applies at all times — even when no workers are visible — and stays in effect until you see an "End Work Zone Speed Limit" sign or another posted speed limit sign. You may also be guided through by flaggers or automated flagger devices (page 59).

"Over-driving your headlights": headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise and any time conditions make it difficult to see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead. Driving with parking lights only is illegal. Never drive faster than you can stop within the distance your headlights illuminate (page 76).

Sight-distance rule for conditions: Pick a stationary object ahead and count your approach time. If you reach the object before the expected count — you are going too fast for the conditions. Slow down.

↔️

Following Distance — Oregon's 2-to-4-Second Rule

TESTED

Pick a fixed object — a sign, overpass, or lane marking ahead

When the car ahead passes it, start counting: "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand" — Oregon's safe following distance is 2–4 seconds (page 26)

If you pass the object before 2 seconds — you are following too closely. Slow down and increase the gap. For speeds greater than 30 mph use 4 seconds or more. In adverse conditions, increase further (page 26).

💡 When to increase beyond the minimum

Rain, snow, ice, or fog → 4 seconds minimum
Driving at night → increase beyond the minimum
Following a large truck or motorcycle → 4+ seconds
Towing a trailer → 4 seconds minimum
Driving at highway speeds → increase distance proportionally

📐

Passing Rules

TESTED

✓

You MAY pass when: There is a broken yellow line on your side, you have sufficient sight distance, and there is no sign or condition prohibiting passing.

✗

NEVER pass in any of these situations: where your view of oncoming traffic is limited (hills, curves), at or in an intersection or railroad crossing, when the vehicle ahead is stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian, in a no-passing zone (solid yellow on your side or "Do Not Pass" sign), or while inside a roundabout. You may cross the centerline in a no-passing zone only if the right side is blocked or you are turning left (page 32).

→

When it is safe to return: You may move back into your original lane when both headlights of the passed vehicle are visible in your rearview mirror.

→

Passing on the right: Legal when the vehicle ahead is making a left turn and there is a safe lane to the right, or on a multi-lane road.

🅿️

Parking Clearance Requirements

TESTED

Location	Minimum Clearance
Fire hydrant	10 ft — no parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant (page 70)
Traffic signal or sign	50 ft if your vehicle hides the signal or sign from view (page 71)
Railroad / light rail tracks	7½ ft from rails when it interferes with the train (page 71)
Crosswalk at intersection	20 ft from a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection (page 71)
Railroad crossing — nearest rail	50 ft from the nearest rail of a railroad or light rail crossing (page 71)
Fire station driveway	15 ft same side / 75 ft opposite side of the street (page 71)
Driveway entrance (public or private)	Never in front of — always prohibited (page 70)
Disabled (accessible) space	Never without a valid Disabled Person Parking Permit — fine $165–$1,000 (page 70)
Inside an intersection or on a crosswalk	Never — always illegal (page 70)
Bridge, overpass, or tunnel	Never — also no parking between separate roads of a divided highway (page 70)
No Stopping zone	Never stop here, for any reason
No Parking zone	No parking — may stop to load/unload

⛰️

Parking on Hills — Wheel Position

TRICK QUESTION

💡

The rule: always turn wheels so that if the car rolls, it rolls away from traffic or is caught by the curb.

Situation	Turn Wheels	Why
Facing DOWNHILL, WITH curb	RIGHT (into curb)	Car rolls into curb and stops
Facing DOWNHILL, NO curb	RIGHT (away from road)	Car rolls away from traffic
Facing UPHILL, WITH curb	LEFT (away from curb)	Car rolls back, caught by curb
Facing UPHILL, NO curb	RIGHT (away from road)	Car rolls away from traffic

💡 Memory trick

Going downhill with a curb = wheels RIGHT into the curb
Going uphill with a curb = wheels LEFT, away from curb (tire catches it when rolling back)
No curb either way = wheels RIGHT, away from road

🎓

GDL questions appear on many tests. Know Oregon's Graduated Driver Licensing program, the restrictions in each phase, and the specific ages, hold periods, and curfew hours.

🎓

Oregon Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

ON EXAM

Stage 1 — Instruction Permit (age 15+)

→

Minimum age 15. Complete an electronic application; parent or legal guardian must sign if under 18 — or submit Form 735-173DP with their signature if they cannot accompany you. Parent/guardian must also certify school attendance, or you must present a high school diploma or GED if no longer in school (page 89).

→

Bring acceptable proof of identity, date of birth, current Oregon residence address, and Social Security Number (or electronically certify you don't have one). Pass the vision test and the 35-question Class C knowledge test (28/35 = 80% to pass).

→

Supervisor requirement: driving experience only counts when supervised by someone at least 21 years old with valid driving privileges for at least 3 years (page 90).

→

Minimum hold period: 6 months before applying for a license. Drivers under 18 may NOT use a cell phone or any mobile electronic device while driving — even hands-free (pages 80, 90).

Stage 2 — Class C Driver License (age 16+)

→

Minimum age 16 with the instruction permit held at least 6 months. 100 hours of supervised driving — or 50 hours plus an ODOT-approved traffic safety education course. DMV must receive proof of course completion (page 90).

→

Drive test by appointment via DMV2U.Oregon.gov or 503-945-5000. The drive test may be waived if you completed an ODOT-approved Driver Education course within the past two years, or if you are a new resident surrendering a valid out-of-state license (or one expired less than a year). Bring a vehicle with current registration and valid proof of insurance (page 3).

→

Oregon does NOT have a separate Provisional/Intermediate license phase — once you pass, you have full Class C driving privileges. The under-18 rules below still apply until age 18.

Under-18 driver rules (until age 18)

→

NO cell-phone or mobile electronic device while driving — even hands-free. Visible TVs/tablets are also banned (page 80).

→

External-rider rule: Oregon law prohibits anyone under 18 from riding on the hood, fender, running board, or pickup bed (page 84).

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Zero Tolerance: any measurable BAC fails the breath/blood/urine test if you're under 21 (page 83). Drivers 18+ must use a hands-free accessory for any cell-phone use (page 80).

🛡️

Emergency Situations — What to Do

TESTED

💨

Tire blowout: Hold the wheel FIRMLY. Ease off gas (don't brake suddenly). Let the car slow naturally. Then gently steer to safety. Sudden braking causes a spin.

💧

Hydroplaning: Ease off gas, hold wheel steady, avoid braking. Let tires re-contact the road. Don't jerk the wheel or brake hard.

🔥

Engine fire: Pull over immediately, turn off engine, get EVERYONE out and move far away (100+ feet). Call 911. Never open the hood.

⚡

Brakes fail: Shift to a lower gear. Use the parking brake gradually. Look for a safe area to slow to a stop. Rub a tire on the curb if needed.

🌊

Accelerator sticks: Shift to NEUTRAL immediately. Apply brakes. Pull over. Turn engine off.

🌀

Vehicle skids: Ease off gas and brakes. Steer in the direction you want the front to go (into the skid). Do not overcorrect.

🚂

Stalled on railroad tracks: Get everyone out immediately. Move away from the vehicle and the tracks. Locate the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign for emergency contact information, and call for help — tell them a vehicle is on the tracks.

🌫️

Driving in fog: Use LOW beams (high beams reflect off fog and blind you). Slow significantly. Use fog lights if available. Consider pulling over.

😴

Drowsy driving: Only cure = sleep. Pull over and rest. Coffee, window down, and music are NOT effective solutions. Drowsy driving equals drunk driving in impairment level.

❄️

Stranded in a blizzard: Stay in the vehicle (it's shelter and visible). Run engine briefly for heat with window cracked to prevent CO poisoning. Signal for help with hazards.

🧠

Defensive Driving Principles

ESSENTIAL

Scan ahead: Look well ahead of your vehicle — at least a city block in town and farther on highways. Check mirrors every few seconds and whenever slowing, changing lanes, or approaching intersections.

Keep an escape route: Always know where you could go if the car ahead stopped suddenly.

Bridges freeze first: Cold air circulates above AND below a bridge. Bridges ice before road surface — always treat them as potentially icy in winter.

Head-on collision approaching: Brake hard and steer RIGHT — even off the road. A head-on crash at speed is almost always fatal; going off-road is survivable.

Road rage: Never engage, retaliate, or make eye contact. Don't respond with gestures. Slow down, create distance. Report to 911 if dangerous.

Front wheel off pavement: Don't jerk the wheel — it can roll the car. Ease off gas, brake gently, and gradually steer back. Hold on tight.

🔧

Vehicle Equipment Requirements

TESTED

Equipment	Requirement
Headlights (on)	Required from sunset to sunrise and any time conditions make it difficult to see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead. Driving with parking lights only is illegal (page 76).
High beams (dim)	Dim within 500 ft of an oncoming vehicle and within 350 ft when following. Use low beams in fog, dust, smoke, and any low-visibility area — high beams reflect back and reduce vision (pages 76–77).
Horn	Use when needed to prevent a crash. Do NOT use to express anger, greet friends, or encourage others to move. Avoid around blind pedestrians and animal-drawn vehicles.
Turn signals	Use turn signals at least 100 feet before a turn or lane change. Hand-and-arm signals only in daylight when visible at 1,000 ft. It is illegal to flash your signals to tell another driver when to pass (page 38).
Visibility / windows	Nothing may obstruct the driver's view to the front, side, or rear. The drive-test examiner will check that mirrors are present and that nothing on the dashboard or rearview mirror blocks visibility (page 5).
TVs / video screens visible to driver	Prohibited while vehicle is in motion (navigation is typically excepted — confirm against Oregon manual).
Muffler	Must prevent excessive or unusual noise
Brakes	Vehicles must have working service brakes capable of stopping under control. Parking brake required. Test brakes lightly after driving through deep water to dry them out.
Wipers	Must adequately clean the windshield when used
Tail lights / rear reflector	Tail lights and rear reflectors are required equipment on all vehicles. Keep lenses clean for night-driving visibility.
Tires	Tire condition and tread composition directly affect stopping distance. Proper inflation and good tread are critical.
Hazard lights	For use when parked/stopped in an emergency — not while driving normally
Seat belts & child restraints	Safety belt use is mandatory in Oregon for all drivers and passengers in every available seating position. Never put the shoulder strap under your arm or behind your back. Infants under age 2: rear-facing. Child safety seat until age 8 or 4'9" tall (pages 73–74).

💡

Headlight Rules That Are Tested

TESTED

Headlights required by Oregon law: from sunset to sunrise, and any time conditions make it difficult to see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead. A vehicle stopped or parked on a road or shoulder must have parking lights on in limited-visibility conditions (page 76).

Parking lights ≠ headlights: Parking lights are for indicating a parked vehicle only. Headlights are required for driving during the hours and conditions above — not parking lights.

Dim high beams: within 500 ft of an oncoming vehicle and within 350 ft when following another vehicle. When you must dim, other auxiliary lights (fog lights) must also be off. In fog, dust, smoke, or any low-visibility area, use low beams only — high beams reflect back and cause glare (pages 76–77).

Night driving — "drive in your headlights": Never drive faster than you can stop within the distance lit by your headlights. This is called over-driving your headlights and is dangerous.

⚡

Before the Test — What to Do

PREPARATION

Take the DMV Exam Simulator at least 5 times and score 90%+ consistently. Don't go in when you're scoring 80% — aim higher than the minimum.

Use the "Weak Spots" mode the night before. Every question you got wrong — review those explanations until you understand WHY, not just what the answer is.

Memorize the Key Numbers tab — BAC limits, distances, suspension periods, speed limits. These are direct exam fodder.

Get a good night's sleep. Drowsy test-taking impairs recall just like drowsy driving impairs reaction time.

Bring required documents: proof of identity and date of birth (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport/passport card, Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Naturalization, federally recognized tribal ID, or an Oregon license/ID expired no more than 13 years), Social Security Number (or electronically certify you don't have one), proof of current Oregon address, and corrective lenses if you wear them. Under-18 applicants: parent/guardian signature on the electronic application or Form 735-173DP, plus school-attendance certification (or HS diploma / GED if no longer in school) (pages 89–91).

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During the Test — How to Answer

STRATEGY

The safest answer is usually correct. When in doubt, pick the option that is most cautious, most yields, or stops the most. Oregon tests reward safe, defensive driving choices.

Watch for "NEVER" and "ALWAYS" options. These are sometimes traps — but in driving law there are many absolute rules (ALWAYS stop for a school bus with flashing reds, NEVER pass on a hill crest, etc.).

"All of the above" is very often the correct answer on knowledge tests — especially for questions about DUII charges, suspension triggers, and violations.

Read every word. Test questions often hinge on words like "divided highway" vs. "undivided," "business district" vs. "residential," or "first offense" vs. "subsequent offense."

Refusing a BAC test — can cost your license. Under Oregon's Implied Consent law, by driving you have agreed to take a breath, blood, or urine test if requested. Refusing brings a fine and license suspension, in addition to any DUII penalty (page 83).

The real Oregon DMV knowledge test: 35 multiple-choice questions, no time limit, you must answer 28 correctly (80%) to pass. Available on a touch-screen monitor at any DMV office or online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov. If caught cheating, you cannot retest for 90 days. If you fail the drive test, you must wait until the next business day to retake it (pages 2, 4).

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Recommended Study Order

YOUR PLAN

Read Key Numbers tab — memorize every distance, speed, and BAC number

Read Right of Way + DUII tabs — the #1 and #2 failure topics

Read Road Signs + Signals tabs — shapes, colors, and signal meanings

Read School Buses + Parking tabs — specific rules with specific numbers

Take the Full Practice Bank — all available questions to identify weak spots

Use Weak Spots mode — drill every question you got wrong until you nail it

Run the DMV Exam Simulator 3–5 times — pass consistently with 90%+ before going in

Night before: Re-read the Key Numbers tab + Test-Day Tips tab. Good sleep. You've got this. ✅

📖 Oregon DMV Study Guide

Speed Limits

Critical Distances & Clearances

DUII & Alcohol Numbers

Teen / GDL Numbers

Following Distance & Time Rules

Sign Shapes — Each Shape Has One Meaning

Sign Colors — Color Tells You the Category

Signs That Are Frequently Confused

The Core Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-Way Scenarios That Trick People

Traffic Signal Meanings

Lane Markings — Know Each One

Safe Lane Changing Procedure

DUII Laws — The Numbers You Must Know

Critical DUII Facts to Remember

School Bus Stopping Rules

Speed Laws — What You Must Know

Following Distance — Oregon's 2-to-4-Second Rule

💡 When to increase beyond the minimum

Passing Rules

Parking Clearance Requirements

Parking on Hills — Wheel Position

💡 Memory trick

Oregon Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Emergency Situations — What to Do

Defensive Driving Principles

Vehicle Equipment Requirements

Headlight Rules That Are Tested

Before the Test — What to Do

During the Test — How to Answer

Top 10 Topics That Will Definitely Be on Your Test

Recommended Study Order

Ready to test what you've learned?

📖 Oregon DMV Study Guide

What to Study Before the Real Test

Speed Limits

Critical Distances & Clearances

DUII & Alcohol Numbers

Teen / GDL Numbers

Following Distance & Time Rules

Sign Shapes — Each Shape Has One Meaning

Sign Colors — Color Tells You the Category

Signs That Are Frequently Confused

The Core Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-Way Scenarios That Trick People

Traffic Signal Meanings

Lane Markings — Know Each One

Safe Lane Changing Procedure

DUII Laws — The Numbers You Must Know

Critical DUII Facts to Remember

School Bus Stopping Rules

Speed Laws — What You Must Know

Following Distance — Oregon's 2-to-4-Second Rule

💡 When to increase beyond the minimum

Passing Rules

Parking Clearance Requirements

Parking on Hills — Wheel Position

💡 Memory trick

Oregon Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Emergency Situations — What to Do

Defensive Driving Principles

Vehicle Equipment Requirements

Headlight Rules That Are Tested

Before the Test — What to Do

During the Test — How to Answer

Top 10 Topics That Will Definitely Be on Your Test

Recommended Study Order

Ready to test what you've learned?